Ramaphosa sending out envoys to explain SA's position on various global issues

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa will be sending envoys across the continent and the world on a charm offensive to explain South Africa's position on a number of foreign policy matters.

This will include spelling out South Africa’s objectives during its presidency of the G20 bloc of nations.

In a break from tradition, Ramaphosa extensively outlined the country’s foreign policy stance in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the wake of increasing tensions this week with the new US administration and the deaths of South African soldiers deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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In the past, State of the Nation Addresses have focused mainly on domestic issues.

But on Thursday night, Ramaphosa was particular in spelling out the country’s position on a host of geopolitical matters, including the war in Ukraine, civil wars on the continent and its support for Palestine.

"The key pillars of our foreign policy remain the promotion of human rights, peace and friendship and the strengthening of fair trade and investment ties with other countries."

In response to US President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, this week falsely accusing South Africa of land grabs, Ramaphosa did not retreat.

"We are as South Africans a resilient people, and we will not be bullied. And we will speak with one voice in defence of our national interests, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy."

Ramaphosa said that his delegation of envoys would interact with various key players on a variety of matters that affect South African interests.